Houston County, Tennessee
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Houston County, Tennessee.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bodine gravelly silt loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greendale cherty silt loam, undulating phase | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mountview silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountview silt loam, rolling shallow phase | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bodine gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountview silt loam, hilly shallow phase | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sengtown gravelly silt loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountview silt loam, eroded hilly shallow phase | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountview silt loam, eroded rolling phase | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bodine gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sengtown gravelly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountview silt loam, eroded, rolling shallow phase | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Humphreys silt loam | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dickson silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ennis cherty silt loam | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ennis silt loam | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sengtown gravelly silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mountview silt loam, eroded undulating phase | 1K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pickwick silt loam, eroded rolling phase | 1K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 66% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.